The Jaguar XK is a sporty model from the famed automaker, the XK comes in either 2-door hatchback coupe or 2-door convertible with a power-folding soft top. New for 2010 the Jaguar XK lineup gets more power from new engines. There is room in a Jag XK for four occupants, although the rear seat is tiny. All models have a new 5.0-liter V8 engine, which replaces the previous versions’ 4.2-liter V8. Base XKs have 385 hp.

A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. It includes the JaguarDrive rotary knob for gear selection as well as steering wheel paddles for manual operation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags that provide head and torso protection.

All models have a navigation system, wireless cell phone link, and keyless entry and starting.

XK Design

An enticing blend of grown-up performance and sporty luxury makes XK a solid choice. The convertible’s fabric top is well insulated and consumes less cargo room folded when compared with convertibles that use retractable tops. Price-wise, Jaguar’s base XKs slot attractively between comparable versions of the BMW 650i and the Mercedes SL550.

The oval grille opening is similar to that on other Jaguar models, but the broader front bumper distinguishes it from the preceding generation, called the XK8.

XK Power and Driving

For 2010, the previous 4.2L V-8 is replaced by a bigger, more powerful 5.0L AJ-V8 gen IIIs, naturally aspirated and supercharged, in convertible or coupe. Normally aspirated XKs have strong, immediate acceleration. Jaguar claims the XKR coupe does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.

All models enjoy a quick-acting automatic transmission that doesn’t hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Standard steering-wheel paddles are easy to use and provide even faster gear changes. The engine growls nicely during acceleration, but cruises quietly on the coupes. There is some slight wind hiss from closed side windows on the coupe.

Convertibles suffer from noticeable wind rush, even with the top up. Some tire noise is noticeable, particularly with the 20-inch tires, but it’s never obtrusive. The well-controlled suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride devoid of jolts and highway float.

XK is best with the standard 19-inch wheels. With the convertible, chassis flex is noticeable only over railroad tracks and sharp bumps, and even then only with the top down.

Inside the 2010 XK

Seats in the XK are comfortable, although the cabin might be a bit too cozy for some. Jaguar made air-conditioned seats standard. XK’s power tilt and telescopic steering column helps make it super easy to find a comfortable driving position. This is not the easiest vehicle to get in and out of as it is very low to the ground. Thick rear roof pillars obscure the view to the rear corners, a problem made even worse in the convertible.

The standard rearview camera helps offset this somewhat. The XK’s interior isn’t the roomiest in its class, though its front-seat legroom is far better than average and its dimensions are more than workable for adults. The backseat is such only in name. There’s no legroom at all unless the front occupants slide forward and the seat cushions have oddly shaped contours.

It’s a 2+2, which means Jag doesn’t expect you to think they’re real rear seats. The convertible’s soft-top is thick enough that interior noise isn’t much different than the coupe’s.

2010 BMW 650i

The 2010 BMW 650 i is a rear-wheel drive sports car that boasts a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The 650 is available in both coupe and convertible. Its engine is mated to a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. The 650i is equipped with a long list of modern technologies, including a sport-tuned suspension with Active Roll Stabilization, 18-inch run-flat tires, adaptive brakelights, Park Distance Control and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

Inside the cabin is impressive with luxury you would expect. The BMW 650i carries over with minimal changes for 2010. Both the coupe and convertible are now outfitted with digital HD Radio, while the next-generation iDrive system includes a new internal hard drive-based navigation unit.

650i Design

The coupe is long, low and wide and features a sculptured power-dome hood. This is a classic BMW 6 Series: The front and rear overhangs (the distance from the wheels to the bumper) are short. The cabin separates the long hood from the short deck. The 6 Series cars are shorter than the 5 Series sedans, but they benefit from a relatively long wheelbase.In sum, you suspect these cars handle great just by looking at them.

In profile, the lines are sculpted but clean. Sleek, Euro-style combination side lights-cum-turn signals in a thin slit at the trailing edge of the front wheel wells give the impression of attention to detail and on the M’s discreetly house the unique, stylized logo distinguishing those from the 650s.The 6 looks raciest in front three-quarter view, which happens to be our favorite angle on the car.

BMW Power and Driving

A V-8 engine is standard, and BMW is one of the few carmakers in the segment to still offer a manual transmission; an automatic is also available. A 4.8-liter V-8 is standard; BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox, offered in early editions of the 6 Series, has been dropped. A 4.8-liter V-8 is standard; BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox, offered in early editions of the 6 Series, has been dropped.

Inside the BMW 650i

Up to four occupants can fit inside the 2+2 coupe and the convertible. BMW’s iDrive system uses a console knob to control multiple comfort and convenience functions. The system includes six favorite buttons that can save radio stations, navigation locations or phone numbers.

The 650i provides seating for four, with high-quality leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and aluminum trim. A voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are also standard. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and up to eight airbags, while more advanced technologies such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional.

Two luxury convertibles. Two vehicles that offer impressive performance and features filled cabins. The Jaguar XK and the BMW 650i compete with each other head to head. The XK receives a subtle redesign for 2010.

It continues to combine Jaguar’s new modern design style with traditional luxury car touches like genuine wood and softgrain leather. The BMW 650i delivers stellar performance, refined handling and that unique combination of elegance and sportiness that defines BMW. Jaguar XK comes with an MSRP of 86,356. The 650i is priced slightly lower at $84,866.

In terms of power the XK has a slight upper hand, it carries a 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 while the BMW is powered by a 360-hp, 4.8-liter V-8. Both vehicles require premium fuel. Fuel economy is not stellar with either, but the XK gets slightly better numbers. It is estimated at 16 mpg/23 mpg while the BMW gets 15 mpg/22 mpg. Both vehicles are standard with automatic with overdrive transmission and a basic warranty 48 months/50,000 miles.

The major downsides to purchasing the 650i are its cramped backseat, limited cabin storage, and its expensive options. The Jaguar, similar to the BMW, has an almost pointless back seat and limited cargo space. The BMW 650i excels in acceleration, highway driving, and cabin quality.

The 2010 Jaguar XK offers excellent styling, ride and handling, and that throat exhaust sound that any owner would want to hear. The XK can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. For further research, visit the official Jaguar USA website .